Refurbishment of Rooms in HC Building, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, SO14 OYN
Appendix D: Prescriptive, Performance & Descriptive Specifications The Specification I have written is Prescriptive. A prescriptive specification is commonly known as a detailed materials and workmanship specification this is a ‘do precisely as I say’ Spec. This approach assumes design team know exactly what they want, it has been worked out exactly how it should be done, allowed by European legislation to specify products, manufacturers etc. and prepared to warrant the design, taking full responsibility for the end product being fit for the purpose it is intended for. Whereas a Performance specification is used where the design team have no visual requirements but wish for the contractor to select suitable materials and install them to meet stated criteria, they may not always confirm what will be provided but only what has to be achieved, employers do not know what they are getting when entering into a contract, there requirement is only that the end product performs to its function and meets all statutory regulations. With a performance specification it makes it difficult to control quality and clients perception, cheaper products may be used and aesthetics may be poor as the contractor wants to save money where possible and the outcome is not certain. However the positives include that fact that they are quicker and easier, a specialist is not always required, and it can be used as a generic document. Ref No: AM/01/SU
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January 2012